little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I am so
candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?
Yes, I have got it now, he answered with his thick red finger planted
halfway down the column. Here it is. This is what began it all. You
just read it for yourself, sir.
I took the paper from him and read as follows:
TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late
Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., there is now another
vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a salary of 4 a
week for purely nominal services. All red-headed men who are sound in
body and mind and above the age of twenty-one years, are eligible.
Apply in person on Monday, at eleven o clock, to Duncan Ross, at the
offices of the League, 7 Pope s Court, Fleet Street.
What on earth does this mean? I ejaculated after I had twice read
over the extraordinary announcement.
Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when in
high spirits. It is a little off the beaten track, isn t it? said he.
And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us all about
yourself, your household, and the effect which this advertisement had
upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Doctor, of the paper
and the date.
It is _The Morning Chronicle_ of April 27, 1890. Just two months ago.
Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?
Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,
said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; I have a small pawnbroker s
business at Coburg Square, near the City. It s not a very large affair,
and of late years it has not done more than just give me a living. I
used to be able to keep two assistants, but now I only keep one; and I
would have a job to pay him but that he is willing to come for half
wages so as to learn the business.
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